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The first course, a light pâté, was delicious; the next, lobster, with all the accompanying sauces, was perfection. But for the rest of meal Saffron never looked once at Alex, though she was aware of him in a way she had never experienced before. The deep resonance of his voice, his occasional laughter grated on her over-sensitive nerves. She'd never felt such an instant attraction to anyone. So why him? She wasn't sure she even liked the man, and bitterly resented his peculiar effect upon her, making it impossible for her to enjoy the sumptuous meal.
His deliberate sexual teasing of the previous day and her shocking reaction to it still rankled. He was so dama sure of himself! It was obvious that he had been making fun of her, filling to time until today, and the arrival of the lovely Sylvia. She noted that it had been Maria, not Sylvia, who had complained about her cabin—probably because Sylvia knew she would be sharing with her boss.
'Isn't that so, Saffron?' Alex's distinctive drawl cut in on her musing. He was back to calling her by her Christian name. Was she supposed to be honoured? she thought sourly. She looked up and saw once again that all eyes were on her.
'Yes, Saffron, do tell us,' Sylvia demanded. 'I can't believe anyone could get the better of Alex.' And she smiled, but Saffron, looking at the beautiful face, saw the spite in the hard eyes.
She had no idea what they were talling about, but help came from an unexpected source: Spiros.
'Did you really mistake him for a thief?' I» asteé, sad she guessed what he was referring to.
Deliberately replacing her fork on her plate, she faced Alex down the length of the table. She could see the amusement sparkling in the depths of his brown eyes,, and it enraged her.
'I wouldn't necessarily call it a mistake,' she opened with, dry sarcasm, holding his gaze and delighting is the flash of anger m his dark eyes, 'but yes, I caught him by the throat and kneed him in the groin.' She said if with relish, and, pointedly turning her gaze on Sylvia, added, 'I'm sure the ladies in his life will have nothing to worry about—I doubt he suffered, any permanent damage.'
Spiros's shout of laughter broke the tension. 'Damn! I wish I could have seen it—the great Alexandras brought to his knees by a slip of a girl.'
Everyone joined in with a comment and Saffron stroked one up for her then quietly withdœw from the conversation—or tried to, but James appeared to have other ideas. She had half expected him to ignore her after Alex's earlier comment, but with brave disregard for his employer he did no such thing, but continued to include her in the conversation at every opportunity, much to Saffron's rising embarrassment. She could feel Alex's dark eyes on her, watching her like a hawk.
Later, sharing a sofa with Anna and sipping coffee on the canopied deck, she was congratulating herself on having got Anna and herself through the evening reasonably well when to her horror Katherina began reminiscing. Saffron was convinced that the woman was doing it deliberately.
'It seems strange that Alex is the only male of the family left. Do you remember, Anna, when our first husbands were alive they were such loving brothers? As incredible as it seems, it is seven years since I lost my own brother. All relatively young men, and so much sadness, and yet here we are, still a family.'
What a bitch! Saffron thought, casting a worried sidelong glance at Anna, but surprisingly she was smiling. What courage Anna had to put a brave face on something that, true or untrue, was still obviously hurtful.
Without a second thought Saffron got to her feet.
'Escuse me, everyone, but it has been a tag day.' She saw Alex's head snap round to where she stood. 'Coming, Anna? It's getting late, and I have to massage your shoulder.'
'What?' Blue-eyed astonishment was quickly masked with a gentle, 'Yes, dear, of course.'
Saffron helped Anna to her feet.
'Shoulder?' Ales queried, his dark eyes spearing Saffron's with speculative scrutiny. 'I undestood the arthritis was confined to Mama's knee.'
Saffron could have kicked herself; she had not been thinking clearly or she would not have made such a mistake. 'Yes—yes, it is, but. . .'
Anna came to her rescue.
'It's not important, Alex, simply a touch of rheumatism in my shoulder, and Saffy has the most soothing hands; I exploit her talent shockingly. If you will all excuse me I am tired.'
'I'll see you
to your cabin, Mama.'
Saffron followed behind mother and son, up the stairs to the door of Anna's stateroom, and hesitated as the couple in front were talking.
"Is there something you're not telling me. Mother?' Alex asked quietly, a gentle arm around Anna's shoulder. 'I know how secretive you can be, but you know I love you and I only have your best interests at heart.'
Saffron was surprised by the wealth of caring in Alex's eyes as he watched his mother. Perhaps Anna should tei him the truth about her accident; this caring Alex might just possibly understand. But with his nest words the illusion was shattered.
'Heaven knows as a family we see very little of each other—two or three times a year at most.'
'I know, darling, but you know me; I Ike London, and the others don't.' Anna raised her hand and stroked his roughh cheek in a gentle caress. 'Goodnight, son,' she murmured before opening the cabin door and walking j inside.
Saffron moved to follow, but was stopped by a large, strong hand grasping her upper aim.
'Just a moment, Saffron.'
